DoD News

News Article

Air Force Thunderbirds Announce 1997 Schedule

By Master Sgt. Stephen Barrett, USAAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 1997  As part of the Air Force's 50th anniversary celebration this year, the service's Thunderbirds jet demonstration team will perform at 36 events in 22 states. The team will also perform in the United Kingdom.

The Thunderbirds' demonstration schedule begins April 5 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and ends Nov. 9 at Daytona Beach, Fla. More than 280 million people in all 50 states and 55 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 3,400 aerial demonstrations.

A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines using F-16 Fighting Falcons. The pilots perform about 30 maneuvers in a demonstration and the entire show runs about an hour and 15 minutes.

The Thunderbirds squadron consists of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel in 25 career fields. Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four.

Besides being the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of the Air Force combat force. If required, team personnel and aircraft can convert into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Personnel can convert the aircraft to combat status in less than 72 hours.

Officials expect to release schedules for the Navy Blue Angels jet demonstration team and the Army Golden Knights parachute team later this month.

The Air Force Thunderbirds air demonstration team kicks off its 1997 season at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., April 5-6. The team will fly at 36 events in 22 states this year, plus make an appearance in Great Britain.Download screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution